Thanks so much for sharing. It never occurred to me that if I didn't pick a good title I might have to suck it up with whatever was assigned to me. I appreciate the heads up.
I personally tend to like titles that illude to something vague so like three days after readings i think "Oh, I get it now."
I think for more literary pubs, you are more often involved in the title decision, but for mainstream pubs, that isn't always the case (although you can also talk to the editor about changing a title that you don't love too).
This is goos advice! I like shocking titles and punchy ones. Some of the best ones are in NYT which I read everyday and since I write now I analyze why I clicked on them
Super helpful piece as always! Sometimes I have felt weird including the title of a piece in a pitch for some odd reason but it’s good to know that’s advised.
This is great advice (for someone who generally puts off/dislikes coming up with titles)! I don’t know why I never thought to look at the tone of titles at a pub before sending, but I’ll be doing that now. Also, that typewriter is judging my procrastination with those eyes
This is so helpful! I've definitely found that when I'm struggling with a title, it can be because the piece is about too many things and I need to zero in. Thanks for these tips!
Great advice, as always, Julie! I've definitely had pieces bomb due to poor title choice. When you publish on a site that pays per read, the right title makes a big difference!
I don't know. I keep rewriting the title as I work on a piece. I do everything you suggest and still find titles tricky. If I republish an older post, I often change the title in the rewrite. For humor posts, I want to write a title that is both funny and gives a good idea of what the piece is about. Often I feel my titles are too descriptive and not funny enough. But still I persist!
I know, I feel like it's tricky with humor to try to tell what it's about and be funny. I think A/B testing on Medium titles would actually be helpful.
This is really good advice. Thanks for sharing, Julie!
I always struggle with titles! Tend to go VERY literal usually - think I might need to start being a bit more creative. Particularly like the idea of taking a line from the piece.
This title got me to read ;) Really good suggestions. And I had no idea that Substack let you A/B test like that! So good to know.
Glad that it worked, ha! And I think the A/B test thing is smart too, I may try it out in the future.
Thanks so much for sharing. It never occurred to me that if I didn't pick a good title I might have to suck it up with whatever was assigned to me. I appreciate the heads up.
I personally tend to like titles that illude to something vague so like three days after readings i think "Oh, I get it now."
I like those kinds of titles too!
I think for more literary pubs, you are more often involved in the title decision, but for mainstream pubs, that isn't always the case (although you can also talk to the editor about changing a title that you don't love too).
oh cool! It's always interesting to hear how those kinds of publications differ
This is goos advice! I like shocking titles and punchy ones. Some of the best ones are in NYT which I read everyday and since I write now I analyze why I clicked on them
I think it is smart to analyze why you like them. I feel like The Cut often has interesting/clever titles that I am drawn to.
I'll check them out. Thank you
Super helpful piece as always! Sometimes I have felt weird including the title of a piece in a pitch for some odd reason but it’s good to know that’s advised.
I definitely wouldn't feel weird about it. I've heard multiple editors say it's a good practice/helpful.
This is great advice (for someone who generally puts off/dislikes coming up with titles)! I don’t know why I never thought to look at the tone of titles at a pub before sending, but I’ll be doing that now. Also, that typewriter is judging my procrastination with those eyes
I think looking through the titles can be helpful. And that typewriter is looking a little judgy. It may also have a mustache?
This is so helpful! I've definitely found that when I'm struggling with a title, it can be because the piece is about too many things and I need to zero in. Thanks for these tips!
Yes, that is a good point! I think when I've gone to write the title, I sometimes realize what I need is to rewrite the piece/pitch.
I have used all these strategies except #4! I think it's easier after writing the piece.
That makes sense -- I think it depends on the piece whether I can write a title beforehand.
This is so helpful, Julie!
Thanks, Lisa!
Great advice, as always, Julie! I've definitely had pieces bomb due to poor title choice. When you publish on a site that pays per read, the right title makes a big difference!
Yes, so true! Do you have strategies for writing titles for your pieces? I feel like on Substack/Medium the subtitle can also be important.
I don't know. I keep rewriting the title as I work on a piece. I do everything you suggest and still find titles tricky. If I republish an older post, I often change the title in the rewrite. For humor posts, I want to write a title that is both funny and gives a good idea of what the piece is about. Often I feel my titles are too descriptive and not funny enough. But still I persist!
I know, I feel like it's tricky with humor to try to tell what it's about and be funny. I think A/B testing on Medium titles would actually be helpful.
That would be interesting!
This is really good advice. Thanks for sharing, Julie!
I always struggle with titles! Tend to go VERY literal usually - think I might need to start being a bit more creative. Particularly like the idea of taking a line from the piece.
Thanks! I tend to go literal for some things too but think the more creative titles can be good too.